On Wednesday, BYU-Idaho shared their expectations and rules, via an official notice, regarding the recent mandate regarding masks in Madison county. The email reads,
“Eastern Idaho Public Health (EIPH) has issued a mandatory mask order for Madison County, including Rexburg, for all public areas both indoor and outdoor. EIPH announced the Order of Restriction Monday, September 14, 2020. It is effective immediately and will continue until rescinded, superseded, or amended. The university requests that all students and employees comply with this order and the protocols at BYU-Idaho.
Here is what this means for BYU-Idaho students and employees:
- Face coverings are required on campus and in the community while outside and whenever physical distancing of 6 feet or more is not possible among those not from your house or apartment. Face coverings are always required in campus buildings
- Social parties, gatherings, and events, both public and private, are restricted to a maximum occupancy of 28 square feet per person to maintain 6 feet of physical distancing
- Minimize non-essential travel. Travel at BYU-Idaho is by exception only
- Vulnerable individuals should take extra precautions
- Violation or failure to comply with this order could constitute a misdemeanor punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both (Idaho Code 39-419)
- Continue following good hygiene practices, including:
- Frequently washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Staying home if you are ill with symptoms of any sickness
- Covering your nose and mouth with cloth, tissues, or elbows when coughing or sneezing, followed by cleaning hands
- Avoiding the sharing of personal items such as towels, drinks, or toothbrushes
If you develop any of the following symptoms, please call the BYU-Idaho Student Health Center or your preferred medical provider to be tested for COVID-19:
- Cough
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Congestion
- Sore throat
- Body aches
- Upset stomach
Further Information
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the virus that causes the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is easily transmitted from person-to-person through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or raises their voice.
COVID-19 is easily transmitted in group settings. It is essential that the spread of the virus be slowed to protect the ability of public and private healthcare providers handling the influx of new patients and safeguard public health and safety.
The rate of COVID-19 infections reported to EIPH for Madison County, Idaho has exceed the established threshold of 10/10,000 for three consecutive days in accordance with EIPH’s COVID-19 Regional Response Plan and has moved into the Moderate Risk Level.
In addition to the order, all students and employees in Rexburg for Fall Semester 2020 are subject to local health authority requirements, and any other local, state, or federal guidance that has been or may be issued. BYU-Idaho urges compliance with all directives, and encourages the campus community to make responsible choices that will help prevent the spread of COVID-19.”
